Mobile devices with femto cell functionality

ABSTRACT

Aspects describe communications environments in which femtocell capability is provided to devices within the communications network. A non-femto enabled device and/or a femto enabled device can communicate with a femto enabled device in the same geographical area for femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication. Two non-femto enabled devices can be provided femto functionality through utilization of a femto enabled device, which operates as a hub between the two devices. Other aspects relate to enhanced position determination, adaptive coverage enhancement, local mobile networks, open access femtocells without a backhaul, and local broadcast of media though utilization of femto enabled devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application for Patent is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/433,425 entitled “Mobile Devices With Femto CellFunctionality” filed Apr. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,755,350, whichclaims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/061,554 entitled“System, Apparatus, and Method to Enable Femtocell Functionality forCellular Mobile Terminals” filed Jun. 13, 2008, and ProvisionalApplication No. 61/077,536 entitled “Mobile Devices with Femto CellFunctionality” filed Jul. 2, 2008, each assigned to the assignee hereofand each hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The present application is related to commonly owned U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/433,417, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,037,134, entitled, “MOBILEDEVICES WITH FEMTO CELL FUNCTIONALITY,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications,and more specifically to enabling femtocell functionality in a wirelesscommunications environment.

Background

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication (e.g., voice, data, multimedia services, etc.) tomultiple users. As the demand for high-rate and multimedia data servicesrapidly grows, there lies a challenge to implement efficient and robustcommunication systems with enhanced performance.

Recently, users have started to replace fixed line communications withmobile communications and have increasingly demanded great voicequality, reliable service, and low prices.

In addition to mobile phone networks currently in place, a new class ofsmall base stations has emerged, which may be installed in a user's homeand provide indoor wireless coverage to mobile units using existingbroadband Internet connections. Such personal miniature base stationsare generally known as access point base stations, or, alternatively,Home Node B (HNB) or femtocells. Typically, such miniature base stationsare connected to the Internet and the mobile operator's network via DSLrouter or cable modem.

Even a communication between a geographically proximate calling mobileunit and destination mobile unit is sent from the calling mobile unit toa base station. The communication is sent over a backhaul before it isdirected back to the same base station to transmit to the destinationmobile.

Some standards and protocols have been developed for applications, suchas peer-to-peer services for mobile terminals. However, these standardsand protocols do not address legacy terminals. In other words, theyrequire new mobile terminals to make use of new standards.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects inorder to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary isnot an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intendedto neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nordelineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect, a method for creating a local mobile network includestransmitting a pilot and common overhead channels from a first mobiledevice having a mobile station modem (MSM) and a cell site modem (CSM).The method further includes establishing a first communication linkincluding at least one of transmitting forward link communication to asecond mobile device and receiving a reverse link communication from thesecond mobile device via the first communication link.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes means fortransmitting a pilot and common overhead channels from a first mobiledevice having a mobile station modem (MSM) and a cell site modem (CSM).The wireless communication apparatus further includes means forestablishing a communication link including at least one of transmittingcommunication on a forward link to a second mobile device and receivingcommunication on a reverse link from the second mobile device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes atransmitter for transmitting a pilot and common overhead channels from afirst mobile device having a mobile station modem (MSM) and a cell sitemodem (CSM). The wireless communication apparatus further includes thetransmitter being configured to establish a communication link includingat least one of transmitting forward link communication to a secondmobile device and receiving reverse link communication from the secondmobile device.

In another aspect, a computer program product comprises acomputer-readable medium that includes a first set of codes for causingthe computer to transmit a pilot and common overhead channels from afirst mobile device having a mobile station modem (MSM) and a cell sitemodem (CSM). The computer-readable medium further includes a third setof codes for causing the computer establish a communication linkincluding at least one of transmitting communication on a forward linkto a second mobile device and receiving communication on a reverse linkfrom the second mobile device.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to create a localmobile network includes a first module for transmitting a pilot andcommon overhead channels from a first mobile device having a mobilestation modem (MSM) and a cell site modem (CSM). The at least oneprocessor further includes a second module for accepting at least oneregistration request from a second mobile device in response to thepilot and common overhead channels. The at least one processor furtherincludes a third module for transmitting communication on a forward linkto the second mobile device.

In another aspect, a method for enabling femtocell functionalityincludes receiving an origination message from a first device forcommunication with a second device. The method further includesdetermining if the first device and the second device are geographicallyproximate. The method further includes determining if a femto enableddevice is geographically proximate to the first and second device. Themethod further includes performing a handoff for the first device to thefemto enabled device, if the first device, second device, and femtoenabled device are geographically proximate.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes areceiver for receiving an origination request from a first device forcommunication with a second device. The wireless communication apparatusfurther includes a processor for determining if the first device and thesecond device are geographically proximate and if a femto enabled deviceis geographically proximate to the first and second device. The wirelesscommunication apparatus further includes a transmitter for performing ahandoff for the first device to the femto enabled device, if the firstdevice, second device, and femto enabled device are geographicallyproximate.

In another aspect, a method for enabling communication through a femtoenabled device, includes receiving communication from a Radio AccessNetwork (RAN) regarding an origination from a first device forcommunication with a second device. The method further includes settingup communication between the first and second device based on thecommunication from the RAN.

In another aspect, a mobile communication apparatus includes a receiverfor receiving wireless communications on a forward link from a RadioAccess Network (RAN) and on a reverse link from at least one mobilecommunication apparatus. The mobile communication apparatus furtherincludes a transmitter for transmitting wireless information on areverse link to the RAN and on a forward link to the at least one mobilecommunication apparatus.

In another aspect, a wireless communications apparatus that enablesfemtocell functionality includes means for receiving an originationmessage from a first device for communication with a second device. Thewireless communications apparatus further includes means for determiningif the first device and the second device are geographically proximate.The wireless communication apparatus further includes means fordetermining if a femto enabled device is geographically proximate to thefirst and second device. The wireless communication apparatus furtherincludes means for performing a handoff for the first device to thefemto enabled device, if the first device, second device, and femtoenabled device are geographically proximate.

In another aspect, a wireless communications apparatus includes meansfor transmitting wireless femtocell communication. The wirelesscommunications apparatus further includes means receiving communicationfrom an RAN regarding an origination from a first device forcommunication with a second device. The wireless communication apparatusfurther includes means for setting up communication between the firstand second device based on the communication from the RAN.

In another aspect, a computer program product includes acomputer-readable medium comprising a first set of codes for causing acomputer to receive an origination message from a first device forcommunication with a second device. The computer-readable medium furtherincludes a second set of codes for causing the computer to determine ifthe first device and the second device are geographically proximate. Thecomputer-readable medium further includes a third set of codes forcausing the computer to determine if a femto enabled device isgeographically proximate to the first and second device. Thecomputer-readable medium further includes a fourth set of codes forcausing the computer to perform a handoff for the first device to thefemto enabled device, if the first device, second device, and femtoenabled device are geographically proximate.

In another aspect, a computer product program including a computerreadable medium comprises a first set of codes for causing a computer totransmit wireless femtocell communication. The computer readable mediumfurther comprises a second set of codes for causing the computer toreceive communication from an RAN regarding an origination from a firstdevice for communication with a second device. The computer readablemedium further comprises a third set of codes for causing the computerto set up communication between the first and second device based on thecommunication from the RAN.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to enable femtocellfunctionality, includes a first module for receiving an originationmessage from a first device for communication with a second device. Theat least one processor further includes a second module for determiningif the first device and the second device are geographically proximate.The at least one processor further includes a third module fordetermining if a femto enabled device is geographically proximate to thefirst and second device. The at least one processor further includes afourth module for performing a handoff for the first device to the femtoenabled device, if the first device, second device, and femto enableddevice are geographically proximate.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to enable femtocellfunctionality includes a first module for transmitting wirelessfemtocell communication. The at least one processor further includes asecond module for receiving communication from an RAN regarding anorigination from a first device for communication with a second device.The at least one processor further includes a third module for settingup communication between the first and second device based on thecommunication from the RAN.

In another aspect, a method for enabling adaptive coverage using a femtoenabled device includes detecting poor cellular coverage. The methodfurther includes connecting to an alternative wireless backhaul. Themethod further includes transmitting a pilot and common overheadchannels. The method further includes receiving a first communicationfrom a cellular mobile device on a reverse link for forwarding via thealternative wireless backhaul. The method further includes transmittinga second communication to the cellular mobile device on a forward link,wherein the second communication was received via the alternativewireless backhaul.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes means fordetecting poor cellular coverage. The wireless communication apparatusfurther includes means for connecting to an alternative wirelessbackhaul. The wireless communication apparatus further includes meansfor transmitting a pilot and common overhead channels. The wirelesscommunication apparatus further includes means for receiving a firstcommunication from a cellular mobile device on a reverse link forforwarding via the alternative wireless backhaul. The wirelesscommunication apparatus further includes means for transmitting a secondcommunication to the cellular mobile device on a forward link, whereinthe second communication was received via the alternative wirelessbackhaul.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes adetector for detecting poor cellular coverage. The wirelesscommunication apparatus further includes a processor for connecting toan alternative wireless backhaul. The wireless communication apparatusfurther includes a transmitter for transmitting a pilot and commonoverhead channels. The wireless communication apparatus further includesa receiver for receiving a first communication from a cellular mobiledevice on a reverse link for forwarding via the alternative wirelessbackhaul. The wireless communication apparatus further includes thetransmitter being configured to transmit a second communication to thecellular mobile device on a forward link, wherein the secondcommunication was received via the alternative wireless backhaul.

In another aspect, a computer program product comprises acomputer-readable medium that includes a first set of codes for causingthe computer to detect poor cellular coverage. The computer-readablemedium further includes a second set of codes for causing the computerto connect to an alternative wireless backhaul. The computer-readablemedium further includes a third set of codes for causing the computer totransmit a pilot and common overhead channels. The computer-readablemedium further includes a fourth set of codes for causing the computerto receive a first communication from a cellular mobile device on areverse link for forwarding via the alternative wireless backhaul. Thecomputer-readable medium further includes a fifth set of codes forcausing the computer to transmit a second communication to the cellularmobile device on a forward link, wherein the second communication wasreceived via the alternative wireless backhaul.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to enable adaptivecoverage using a femto enabled device includes a first module fordetecting poor cellular coverage. The at least one processor configuredto enable adaptive coverage using a femto enabled device furthercomprises a second module for connecting to an alternative wirelessbackhaul. The at least one processor configured to enable adaptivecoverage using a femto enabled device further comprises a third modulefor transmitting a pilot and common overhead channels. The at least oneprocessor configured to enable adaptive coverage using a femto enableddevice further comprises a fourth module for receiving a firstcommunication from a cellular mobile device on a reverse link forforwarding via the alternative wireless backhaul. The at least oneprocessor configured to enable adaptive coverage using a femto enableddevice further comprises a fifth module for transmitting a secondcommunication to the cellular mobile device on a forward link, whereinthe second communication was received via the alternative wirelessbackhaul.

In another aspect, method for transmitting position location informationusing a femto enabled device includes obtaining position information ofa femto enabled device. The method further includes communicating theposition information to a location determination entity. The methodfurther includes transmitting the location information of the femtoenabled device to a mobile device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes means forobtaining position information of a femto enabled device. The wirelesscommunication apparatus further includes means for includescommunicating the position information to a location determinationentity. The wireless communication apparatus further includes means fortransmitting the location information of the femto enabled device to amobile device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus includes aposition obtainer for obtaining a position of a femto enabled device.The wireless communication apparatus further includes a transmitter forcommunicating location information of the femto enabled device to alocation determination entity. The wireless communication apparatusfurther includes a transmitter for transmitting the location informationof the femto enabled device to a mobile device.

In another aspect, a computer program product comprises acomputer-readable medium that includes a first set of codes for causingthe computer to obtain position information of a femto enabled device.The computer-readable medium further includes a second set of codes forcausing the computer to communicate the position information to alocation determination entity. The computer-readable medium furtherincludes a third set of codes for causing the computer to transmit thelocation information of the femto enabled device to a mobile device

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to transmitposition location information using a femto enabled device includes afirst module for obtaining position information of a femto enableddevice. The at least one processor configured to transmit positionlocation information using a femto enabled device includes a secondmodule for communicating the position information to a locationdetermination entity. The at least one processor configured to transmitposition location information using a femto enabled device includes athird module for transmitting the location information of the femtoenabled device to a mobile device. In another aspect, a method fordetermining position location using pilot information received from afemto enabled device includes receiving a pilot or overhead signalincluding position information from a femto enabled device. The methodfurther includes transmitting the received position information to alocation determination entity. The method further includes receiving acurrent position from the location determination entity based at leastin part on the received signal from the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus configured todetermine position location using pilot information received from afemto enabled device includes means for receiving a pilot or overheadsignal including position information from a femto enabled device. Theapparatus further includes means for transmitting the received positioninformation to a location determination entity. The apparatus furtherincludes means for receiving a current position from the locationdetermination entity based at least in part on the received signal fromthe femto enabled device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus configured todetermine position location using pilot information received from afemto enabled device includes a receiver for receiving a pilot oroverhead signal including position information from a femto enableddevice. The apparatus further includes a transmitter for transmittingthe received position information to a location determination entity.The apparatus further includes a receiver for receiving a currentposition from the location determination entity based at least in parton the received signal from the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, a computer program product includes acomputer-readable medium having a first set of codes for causing thecomputer to receive a pilot or overhead signal including positioninformation from a femto enabled device. The computer readable mediumfurther includes a second set of codes for causing the computer totransmit the received position information to a location determinationentity. The computer readable medium further includes a third set ofcodes for causing the computer to receive a current position from thelocation determination entity based at least in part on the receivedsignal from the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to determineposition location using a femto enabled device includes a first modulefor receiving a pilot or overhead signal including position informationfrom a femto enabled device. The at least one processor further includesa second module for transmitting the received position information to alocation determination entity. The at least one processor furtherincludes a third module for receiving a current position from thelocation determination entity based at least in part on the receivedsignal from the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, a method for determining position location usingpilot information received from a femto enabled device includesreceiving a pilot or overhead signal including position information froma femto enabled device. The method further includes calculating aposition based at least in part on the position information from thefemto enabled device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus configured todetermine position location using pilot information received from afemto enabled device includes means for receiving a pilot or overheadsignal including position information from a femto enabled device. Theapparatus further includes means for calculating a position based atleast in part on the position information from the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, a wireless communication apparatus configured todetermine position location using pilot information received from afemto enabled device includes a receiver for receiving a pilot oroverhead signal including position information from a femto enableddevice. The apparatus further includes a processor for calculating aposition based at least in part on the position information from thefemto enabled device.

In another aspect, a computer program product includes acomputer-readable medium having a first set of codes for causing thecomputer to receive a pilot or overhead signal including positioninformation from a femto enabled device. The computer readable mediumfurther includes a second set of codes for causing the computer tocalculate a position based at least in part on the position informationfrom the femto enabled device.

In another aspect, at least one processor configured to determineposition location using a femto enabled device includes a first modulefor receiving a pilot or overhead signal including position informationfrom a femto enabled device. The at least one processor further includesa second module for calculating a position based at least in part on theposition information from the femto enabled device.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreaspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative featuresof the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, ofbut a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspectsmay be employed, and this description is intended to include all suchaspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to enabledeployment of access point base stations within a network environment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram of components in a femto enableddevice.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system that enables femtocell functionality in awireless communications environment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a call flow example for a non-femto enabled devicethat communicates with a femto enabled device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for a non-femto enabled device callinganother non-femto enabled device in a similar geographic area forfemto-enabled peer-to-peer communications.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for creating a local mobile networkutilizing a femto enabled device.

FIG. 8 illustrates another method for adaptive coverage enhancement inaccordance with the aspects presented herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example system of a wireless communicationsapparatus that enables femtocell functionality.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example system of a wireless communicationapparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example system of a wireless communicationapparatus that provides a local mobile network.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system of a wireless communicationapparatus that enables adaptive coverage using a femto enabled device.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example system of a wireless communicationapparatus for determining position location using a femto enableddevice.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example system of a using a femto enabled deviceto determine a position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofone or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate describing these aspects.

As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module”, “system”,and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, eitherhardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. For example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acomputing device and the computing device can be a component. One ormore components can reside within a process and/or thread of executionand a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributedbetween two or more computers. In addition, these components can executefrom various computer readable media having various data structuresstored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/orremote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or moredata packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a networksuch as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).

Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in connection with amobile device. A mobile device can also be called, and may contain someor all of the functionality of a system, subscriber unit, subscriberstation, mobile station, mobile, wireless terminal, device, remotestation, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal,wireless communication device, wireless communication apparatus, useragent, user device, or user equipment (UE). A mobile device can be acellular telephone, a cellular mobile device, a cordless telephone, aSession Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a smart phone, a wireless localloop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, ahandheld communication device, a handheld computing device, a satelliteradio, a wireless modem card and/or another processing device forcommunicating over a wireless system. Moreover, various aspects aredescribed herein in connection with a base station. A base station maybe utilized for communicating with wireless terminal(s) and can also becalled, and may contain some or all of the functionality of, an accesspoint, Node B, or some other network entity.

Various aspects or features will be presented in terms of systems thatmay include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. Itis to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may includeadditional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include allof the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection withthe figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. The techniques described herein maybe used for various wireless communication networks such as CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks,Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)networks, etc. The terms “networks” and “systems” are often usedinterchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such asUniversal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includesWideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). cdma2000 covers IS-2000,IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement a radiotechnology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). AnOFDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA(E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM®, etc. UTRA,E-UTRA, and GSM are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System(UMTS). Long Term Evolution (LTE) is an upcoming release of UMTS thatuses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS and LTE are described in documentsfrom an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP).cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization named “3rdGeneration Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). These various radiotechnologies and standards are known in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system 100configured to support a number of users, in which various disclosedembodiments and aspects may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, by wayof example, system 100 provides communication for multiple cells 102,such as, for example, macro cells 102 a-102 g, with each cell beingserviced by a corresponding access point (AP) 104 (such as APs 104 a-104g). Each cell may be further divided into one or more sectors. Variousaccess terminals (ATs) 106, including ATs 106 a-106 k, also knowninterchangeably as user equipment (UE) or mobile stations, are dispersedthroughout the system. Each AT 106 may communicate with one or more APs104 on a forward link (FL) and/or a reverse link (RL) at a given moment,depending upon whether the AT is active and whether it is in softhandoff, for example. The wireless communication system 100 may provideservice over a large geographic region, for example, macro cells 102a-102 g may cover a few blocks in a neighborhood.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to enable mobilefemtocell functionality within a network environment. As shown in FIG.2, the system 200 includes one or more user equipment (UE) 220 and 211,each illustrated as being in a corresponding femto enabled small scalenetwork environment 230. It should be noted that any number of UEs maybe within the femto enabled small scale network environment 230.Further, in this example, UE 220 may be in communication with both thefemto enabled small scale network environment 230 and a macro accesscell 102, such as a base station associated with a cellular network,whereas UE 211 may be in communication with the femto enabled smallscale network environment 230 but is outside of the coverage the macroaccess cell 102. The UEs 220 and 211 may be a legacy UE or Femto-enabledUE. A femto enabled mobile (FEM) device 210 creates the femto enabledsmall scale network environment 230, which occupies a geographic area,wherein, in this aspect, UEs 220 and 211 are positioned in thegeographic area. As will be discussed in further detail below, FEM 210and the femto enabled small scale network environment 230 enables localcommunications between UEs within network environment 230 via FEM 210,and/or enables communications via FEM 210 between a UE within networkenvironment 230 and a macro access cell 102. The femto enabled smallscale network environment 230 may be within or overlap the macro accesscell 102, although it will have a smaller scale than the macro accesscell 102. Additionally, it should be noted that no wireline or backhaulis required for the FEM 210 to create the femto enabled small scalenetwork environment 230, thereby enabling femto enabled small scalenetwork environment 230 to be very dynamic.

Although embodiments described herein use 3GPP terminology, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments may be applied to 3GPP (Rel99, Rel5,Rel6, Rel7, Rel8, Rel9) technology, as well as 3GPP2 (1×RTT, 1×EV-DORel0, RevA, RevB) technology and other known and related technologies.In such aspects described herein, the owner of the FEM 210 and the ownerof the UE 220 may subscribe to mobile service, such as, for example, 3Gmobile service, offered through the mobile operator core network 250,and the UE 220 may be capable to operate both in macro cellularenvironment and in femto enabled small scale network environment. Thus,the FEM 210 is backward compatible with any existing UE 220 and anyexisting network 250.

Furthermore, in addition to macro cell 102 access to the macro cellmobile network 250, the UE 220 can be served by a predetermined numberof FEMs 210, for example the FEM 210 that generates the femto enabledsmall scale environment 230 within with the UE is operating. In someaspects, UE 220 may be in a soft handover state with the macro network250 while in communication with FEM 210. In other words, in someaspects, the UE 220 can communicate with the macro network 250 and theFEM 210. In some aspects, which should not be construed as limiting, aslong as the UE 220 is authorized to communicate with the FEM 210 and hasa connection with a sufficient quality, it may be desired that the UE220 communicate only with the associated FEM 210. For example, if UEwants to communicate with another UE in the same femto enabled smallscale network environment 230, such communication may be serviced viathe FEM 210 rather than via the macro network 250.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components within a femto enabled mobile(FEM) device 210. The FEM 210 includes a cell site modem (CSM) component301, which includes hardware, software and instructions to enable FEM210 to act as a base station, and a mobile station modem (MSM) component302 to enable FEM 210 to act as a mobile station or UE. For example, CSMcomponent 301 may include network-side, inter-base station communicationprotocols, whereas MSM component 302 may include mobile air interfaceprotocols. Further, the CSM component 301 includes a first receivercomponent 303, such as receive chain hardware and software and anantenna, configured to receive communication from a radio access network(RAN) 102 via a forward link, and a first transmitter component 304,such as transmit chain hardware and software and an antenna, configuredto transmit communication to the RAN via a reverse link. Thecommunication between CSM 301 and the RAN is via the inter-base stationcommunication protocols. Additionally, first transmitter component 304of CSM 301 additionally enables sending communications to or more UEs,such as UE 220, via a forward link, while first receiver component 304additionally enables receipt of communication from one or more UEs via areverse link. The communication between the CSM 301 and UE 220 is viathe mobile air interface protocols such that FEM 210 appears as a basestation to other UEs. Also, the MSM component 302 includes a secondreceiver component 306, such as receive chain hardware and software andan antenna, configured to receive communication from RAN 102 via aforward link. The MSM component 302 also includes a second transmittercomponent 305, such as transmit chain hardware and software and anantenna, configured to transmit communication to the RAN via a reverselink. The communication between MSM 302 and the RAN 102 is via themobile air interface protocols such that FEM 210 appears as anothermobile station or UE to the RAN 102.

Thus, the FEM can establish and/or maintain a communication link with amobile device on which it transmit a forward link communication to themobile device and receive reverse link communication from the mobiledevice. The FEM may act as an ordinary mobile device and establishand/or maintain a communication link with a RAN on which it receivesforward link communication from the RAN and transmits reverse linkcommunication to the RAN.

Accordingly, in one aspect, using CSM 301 to act as a base station, theFEM 210 may be operable to enable communications between UE 211 and/orUE 220 and RAN 102. For example, if UE 211 is out of range of RAN 102but within range of FEM 210, FEM 210 acts as a bridge to RAN 102 for UE211. Further, using CSM 301 acting as a base station, the FEM 210 may beoperable to enable communications between two or more UEs, such as UE211 and UE 220, within the femto enabled small scale network environmentof FEM 210. The FEM 210 may also broadcast information within the femtoenabled small scale network environment 230. The information may includecontent locally stored at the FEM such as media, pictures, songs, etc.The information may include content obtained at the FEM such as atemperature measurement, an audio recording, a webcam type recording,among others. The information may also include content and/or broadcastsreceived via a cellular network. For example, the content may includeinformation received via a MediaFlo™ type broadcast. For example, theFEM may receive satellite or digital television broadcasts andrebroadcasting the information. In some aspects, the FEM may not need totransmit the information in the same format in which it is received atthe FEM, but may instead convert the information into a formatacceptable for use on the devices within the femto enabled small scalenetwork environment 230.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 that enables femtocell functionality ina wireless communications environment. “Femtocell” is a term generallyused for a base station having a relatively small coverage area, such ascorresponding to a user's (e.g., subscriber's) residence or place ofbusiness, for providing cellular service within a home or businessenvironment. For example, one or more femtocells may be used to provideradio coverage within a building, such as in a location where macro cellaccess signals are not able to penetrate or have a weak signal strength.Femtocells usually employ radio access network (RAN) functionality(e.g., base transceiver system (BTS), base station controller (BSC),packet data serving node (PDSN), or other network elements) and provideservice to a limited number of users. Femtocells can be connected to theInternet and the cellular operator's network through a DSL router, cablemodem, or by other techniques.

In accordance with some aspects, a mobile terminal that is capable ofcellular communications with a base station (e.g., macrocell, picocellsor femtocell) is enabled with radio access network (RAN) functionalitysimilar to a femtocell, such mobile devices are referred to herein asFemto Enabled Mobiles (FEM), femtocell enabled mobiles, or attocells.For example, a mobile terminal can include a Mobile Station Modem (MSM)chipset and a Cell Site Modem (CSM) chipset and associated software tosupport base station types of operation. Among other things, such basestation types of operation include over the air transmission on aforward link band and reception of data on a reverse link band.Different applications can be enabled for non-femto enabled devices(also referred to herein as legacy terminals) in the same networkthrough femto enabled mobiles, as the FEM looks like any other basestation to the legacy terminal. Further details relating to this areexplained below.

If a subset of mobile terminals in a macro network are equipped withfemtocell functionality (femtocell enabled mobiles), new applicationscan be enabled for mobile units in the vicinity of the FEM, includinglegacy mobiles that do not include femtocell functionality. Among otherthings, these new applications may include femto-enabled peer-to-peercommunication, Local Mobile Networks (e.g., for public safety or groupactivity), open access femtocells without a backhaul requirement,adaptive coverage enhancement, enhanced position location determination,and/or local broadcast of media. As will be explained in further detailbelow, these new applications can be enabled for legacy terminals (LM)(e.g., non-femtocell enabled mobiles) with the assistance of femtocellenabled mobiles (FEM).

In further detail, referring to FIG. 4, system 400 includes a wirelesscommunications apparatus 402 that is shown to be in communication with amultitude of devices. These devices are labeled as mobile device₁ 404,mobile device₂ 406, and mobile device_(N) 408, where N is an integer.Mobile devices 404, 406, and 408 can be devices that are femto enabled,non-femto enabled, or combinations thereof (e.g., some devices are femtoenabled while other devices are non-femto enabled). For example,wireless communication apparatus 402 and mobile devices 404, 406 and 408may be computer devices including a memory storing applicationsexecutable by a processor to enable various device functionality, suchas communications with other devices via a communications module havingtransmit and receive components operable to interface directly withother devices or with a wired or wireless communication network.

Included in wireless communication apparatus 402 is a receiver 410 thatis configured to receive a communication origination request from amobile device, such as mobile device₁ 404 (which will be referred toherein as sender device 404). The origination request indicates thatsender device 404 desires to establish communication with another mobiledevice, such as a destination device 408. A proximity detection module412 is configured to evaluate the capabilities of destination device 408to determine whether destination device 408 is femto enabled ornon-femto enabled. For example, proximity detection module 412 mayinclude one or any combination of hardware, software, code,instructions, firmware, algorithms, data, etc., operable to perform thefunctionality described herein. Detection module 412 is also configuredto determine if sender device 404 is in the same vicinity (e.g., sector)as destination device 408. Sender device 404 can be either non-femtoenabled or femto enabled.

If destination device 408 is femto enabled and both devices (sender 404and destination 408) are in the same vicinity, a transmitter 414 sends apage to destination device 408 to set up the communication (e.g.,Enhanced Channel Assignment Message (ECAM), Service Connect Message(SCM) are sent). A reverse link (RL) user code of sender device 404 issent by transmitter 414 to destination device 408 with a request fordestination device 408 to search for sender device 404 on an uplink orreverse link (RL).

A RL measurement (Ecp) reported by destination device 408 is received atreceiver 410. Based in part on this report, proximity detection module412 can determine that both devices 404, 408 are close together andshould start a femto-enabled peer-to-peer session. A forward link (FL)pseudorandom noise (PN) offset and designated frequency f_(FEM), whichare to be used in the femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication, are sentto destination device 408 by transmitter 414. Destination device 408 canperform self-calibration on the designated frequency f_(FEM) and begintransmitting pilot and overhead on the frequency. The terms pilot andoverhead channels as used herein include, among others, pilot, paging,broadcast, and synchronizations channels Wireless communicationapparatus 402 can perform inter-frequency handoff for sender device 404to the designated frequency f_(FEM). As such, a femto-enabledpeer-to-peer communication session can be started by sender device 404.

In accordance with some aspects, if the sender device 404 and thedestination device 408 are both non-femto enabled and/or for open accessfemtocells without the requirement of a backhaul, after receiving thecall origination request and determining the devices 404, 408 are in thesame vicinity, a communication can be sent by transmitter 414 requestingfemto enabled devices in the communications environment to transmitpilots and common overhead channels on frequency f_(FEM) at designatedPN offsets. A request for pilot measurements from both devices 404, 408on the designated frequency f_(FEM) can also be requested.

A call setup module 416 reviews the reported signal strength. Forexample, call setup module 416 may include one or any combination ofhardware, software, code, instructions, firmware, algorithms, data,etc., operable to perform the functionality described herein. If bothdevices 404, 408 report strong signal strength from a femto-enableddevice, e.g., a femto enabled device in the sector, represented bymobile device₂ 406 having a FEM module 418, call setup module 416chooses that femto-enabled device 406 as the “hub” for femto-enabledpeer-to-peer communication. FEM module 418 includes a forward link (FL)transmit (Tx) function that enables FEM 406 to transmit communicationsto other mobile devices on the FL. Also, FEM module 418 includes areverse link (RL) receive (Rx) function that enables FEM 406 to receivecommunications from other mobile devices. Accordingly, FEM 406 is ableto establish a first FL and a first RL with wireless communicationapparatus 402, such as an access point, or with a first mobilecommunication device, and a second FL and a second RL with a secondmobile communication device, thereby enabling FEM 406 to be a servingsector for other mobile devices. For example, in some aspects, FEMmodule 418 may include a mobile station modem (MSM) to enable the mobilestation functionality, and a cell site modem (CSM) to enable the basestation-like functionality. As such, FEM module 418 may include one orany combination of hardware, software, code, instructions, firmware,algorithms, data, etc., operable to perform the functionality describedherein, which enables FEM 406 to be perceived as a base station by othermobile devices, and to perform base station-like functionality, therebydefining a femto-enabled mobile.

Based on the determination of call setup module 416, transmitter 414sends a page to the femto-enabled device 406 and sets up the call. Thefemto-enabled device 406 performs self calibration on the designatedfrequency f_(FEM) and starts transmitting pilot and overhead onfrequency f_(FEM). Wireless communications apparatus 402 performsinter-frequency handoff for non-femto enabled devices to the designatedfrequency f_(FEM). The non-femto enabled devices 404, 408 acquire thefemto-enabled device 406 on the forward link and a femto-enabledpeer-to-peer communication session is started between thenon-femto-enabled devices 404, 408.

In accordance with some aspects, a femto-enabled device can create alocal mobile network for emergency applications, team building, or othergroup events. The femto-enabled device can transmit pilot and commonoverhead channels to advertise the mobile network and can acceptregistration requests to collect a list of users. Thus, thefemto-enabled device can enable communication between mobiles in thesame geographical area and/or broadcast emergency messages to mobiles inthe same geographical area.

According to some aspects, a femto enabled device can be enabled withwireless backhaul capability so that if the device is in poor macrocoverage, the femto enabled device can provide coverage for non-femtoenabled devices by activating its (the femto enable device's)functionality. In this situation, the femto enabled device detects thatmacro coverage is poor, connects to alternative wireless backhaul, andenables femto functionality.

A femto enabled device can enhance position location determination inaccordance with some aspects. Forward link pilot measurements from femtoenabled devices can be utilized to improve position location estimatesof mobiles. A femto enabled device with reliable location informationcan transmit pilots and common overhead channels on designatedfrequencies. Mobiles in the vicinity of the femto enabled device(s) candetect the pilot and common overhead channel signal from the femtoenabled device. Given the GPS location information of the femto enableddevices, mobiles in poor GPS coverage can improve their positionlocation estimates utilizing the pilot and common overhead channels fromthe femto enabled device as part of their triangulation algorithm.

The following will describe some use cases and technical details foroperation in accordance with the various aspects presented herein. Inthe remainder of this detailed description, aspects relating to 3Gtechnologies (CDMA2000, 1×EV-DO, WCDMA, HSPA+) will be described,however, other technologies can be utilized. Since femto enabled mobiles(FEMs) can potentially create interference for other mobiles in thevicinity, for this discussion it will be assumed that some frequenciesare allocated (e.g. dedicated) for femtocell enabled mobiles (e.g.,f_(FEM)) so that interference created to macrocell mobiles can bemitigated.

Various aspects will be presented herein with respect to femto-enabledpeer-to-peer communication applications between 3G mobiles with theassistance of FEMs in a network. An advantage of this type of operationis that none of the system resources (e.g., airlink, channel elements,backhaul) of the macrocell system are used. Additionally, applicationsapply to legacy mobiles without requiring any changes in standards orimplementation for legacy mobiles. For the purpose of discussion, mobileusers in the cellular network are classified into two groups: (1) Femtoenabled mobiles (FEMS); and (2) Legacy mobiles without femtocellfunctionality (LM) or non-femto enabled devices. Different scenarioswill be described depending on the parties involved in femto-enabledpeer to peer communication (e.g., LM, FEM). For each use case, theoperation is described to enable femto-enabled peer-to-peercommunication between mobiles.

FIG. 5 illustrates a call flow example 500 for a Legacy Mobile (LM)device 502 that communicates with a Femto Enabled Mobile (FEM) 504. Thecommunication can be, for example, a voice call in 1×RTT mobiles. In theillustrated scenario, LM 502 calls the FEM 504, which are in the samegeographical area for femto-enabled peer-to-peer application.

A call is initiated by LM 502 and intended for FEM 504. A callorigination message is sent from LM 502 destined for another mobile andis received by a RAN 506, which accepts the call request from LM 502(e.g., ECAM, SCM are sent). Among other things, RAN 506 may be acellular base station such as a macrocell. The RAN may then determinewhether LM 502 and the destination mobile are geographically proximate,or in the same vicinity. The RAN 506 may also determine whether a femtoenabled device is in the vicinity. For example, the RAN 506 determinesthat the destination mobile 504 is femto enabled and is in the samevicinity (e.g., sector and so forth) as LM 502 (for this case scenario).The geographic proximity may be determined in any of a number of ways.Among others, proximity may be determined based on location information,such as may be obtained through the use of satellite-based GPSfunctions, through the use of terrestrial network-based locationinformation (e.g. via cellular base station signal timing), bydetermining that the FEM and LM are within coverage of the same basestation, by determining that the FEM and LM are within a proximitythreshold of one another based on their respective location information,wherein the proximity threshold may be configurable depending on thecarrier, geographic or network area, devices involved, etc., or the RAN506 may obtain the geographic proximity or threshold determination fromanother entity.

Once general proximity has been determined, such as by determining thatboth the FEM and LM are within the range of the same RAN, furtherinformation may also be gathered regarding the level of proximity of theFEM and LM. For example, the FEM may be instructed to transmit a pilotsignal and common overhead channels that are received by the LM andreported to the RAN. Then, the RAN determines whether to use the FEM toestablish a femto-enabled peer to peer application based on the reportfrom the LM.

RAN 506 pages the FEM 504 and sets up the call (e.g., ECAM, SCM aresent).

Aspects may include a FEM and RAN structured to establish afemto-enabled peer to peer application based on these elements. Afterdetermining that the LM 502 and the FEM 504 are in the same vicinity,the RAN 506 may perform a handoff of the LM 502 to the FEM 504.

Additionally, embodiments may include any of the following elements. TheRAN 506 may communicate a reverse link (RL) user code of the LM 502 tothe FEM 504 and requests that the FEM 504 search for the particular user(e.g., LM 502) on the uplink (UL), also referred to as the reverse link(RL).

The FEM 504 may report an RL measurement (Ecp) to RAN 506. Based on theFEM report, the RAN 506 determines that the mobiles (LM 502 and FEM 504)are close to each other and should start the femto-enabled peer-to-peersession. The RAN 506 may indicate the FL PN offset and designedfrequency f_(FEM) to FEM 504 that is to be used in femto-enabledpeer-to-peer communication. In accordance with some aspects, an optimalPN offset and designated frequency f_(FEM) assignment can be performedbased on measurements performed by FEM 504.

The FEM 504 may perform a self calibration on designed frequencyf_(FEM). For example, the FEM adjusts a FL transmit power and uplinknoise figure. A goal can be to mitigate the interference impact to othermobiles. An RL Ecp measurement from LM 502 and RAN FL pilot and commonoverhead channel measurements can be utilized to assist in selfcalibration.

The FEM 504 starts transmitting pilot and overhead on frequency f_(FEM).The RAN 506 performs inter-frequency handoff for LM 502 to designatedfrequency f_(FEM) (e.g., general handoff direction message is sent). TheLM 502 acquires FEM 504 on FL and femto-enabled peer-to-peercommunication session is initiated.

Thus, no additional changes are necessary for communication with legacymobiles. The FEM functions similarly to a base station, and the legacymobile communications as if through a base station.

In accordance with some aspects, a femto enabled mobile (FEM) caninitiate communication with another femto enabled mobile (FEM) in asimilar geographic area for femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication.This femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication can be enabled byutilizing a similar operation as the operation described above withreference to a legacy mobile (LM) that initiates communication with afemto enabled mobile.

Methodologies that can be implemented in accordance with various aspectswill be better appreciated with reference to the following flow charts.While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies areshown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the numberor order of blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/orat substantially the same time with other blocks from what is depictedand described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may berequired to implement the methodologies described hereinafter. It is tobe appreciated that the functionality associated with the blocks may beimplemented by software, hardware, a combination thereof or any othersuitable means (e.g. device, system, process, component). Additionally,it should be further appreciated that the methodologies disclosedhereinafter and throughout this specification are capable of beingstored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting andtransferring such methodologies to various devices. Those skilled in theart will understand and appreciate that a methodology couldalternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for a legacy mobile (LM) device callinganother LM in a similar geographic area for femto-enabled peer-to-peerapplication. If a FEM is also located in the geographic area, the FEMcan receive and transmit the communication between the two LMs, similarto a RAN. Thus, the FEM is capable of functioning as, for example, abase station between two LMs. As with the above described application,no changes are necessary for the LM, the LM communicates through the FEMin the same manner as it would through an RAN. At 602, a RAN receives acall origination request from a LM. The RAN accepts the call requestfrom the LM (e.g., ECAM, SCM are sent). At 604, the RAN determines thatthe destination mobile is in the same vicinity (e.g., sector, etc.) asthe caller mobile.

The RAN discovers that one or more FEMs are in the same area and, at606, the RAN requests the FEMs to transmit pilot and common overheadchannels on frequency f_(FEM) at designated PN offsets. In accordancewith some aspects, the FEM users are provided an incentive since therecan be an impact to the device's battery life (e.g., FEMs can earnminutes for their “service”, receive an account credit, and so forth.).

At 608, the RAN requests pilot and common overhead channel measurementsfrom both LMs on the designated frequency f_(FEM). If both LMs report athreshold signal strength from a particular FEM on frequency f_(FEM),the RAN chooses that particular FEM (from the one or more FEMs) as the“hub” for femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication. The selection of aparticular FEM can be reevaluated throughout the communication andchanged at any time.

The RAN pages the chosen FEM and sets up the call, at 610. The FEMperforms self calibration on the designated frequency f_(FEM). Forexample, the FEM adjusts a FL transmit power and uplink noise figure,which can mitigate the interference impact to other mobiles. RL Ecpmeasurements from LMs and RAN FL pilot and common overhead channelmeasurements can be utilized to assist in self calibration. The FEMstarts transmitting pilot and overhead on frequency f_(FEM).

At 612, the RAN performs inter-frequency handoff for LM to designatedfrequency f_(FEM). For example, a general handoff direction message issent. LMs acquire FEM on FL and femto-enabled peer-to-peer communicationsession is initiated between the LMs.

In accordance with some aspects, open access femtocells without abackhaul requirement operate in substantially the same manner as thatshown and described with reference to FIG. 6. In accordance with thisaspect, low cost femtocells are located in high traffic areas withfemto-enabled peer-to-peer traffic (e.g., schools, shopping malls, andso forth). These femtocells can be plugged into a power supply (e.g.,power outlet) and do not need a backhaul. Legacy Mobile (LM) cancommunicate with another LM in the same geographical area for afemto-enabled peer-to-peer application.

The handoff of a call from an RAN to a FEM can occur at various times.For example, when a call is originated, the RAN may cause the callingmobile to wait while it is determined if the calling and destinationmobiles are in the same vicinity and if a FEM is also in the samevicinity. The RAN may cause the calling mobile to wait until a handoffis made from the RAN to the FEM. Additionally, the RAN may first set upthe call between the calling mobile and the destination mobile and thenhandoff the communication to a FEM. For example, the proximitydeterminations may be made during call set up and after call set up. TheRAN may handoff the communication to a more efficient call mode at anytime during the communication between the calling mobile and thedestination mobile.

In addition to proximity, the RAN may consider additional factors. Forexample, the RAN may consider the amount of traffic already managed by aFEM before handing off a call to the FEM. The FEM, or a plurality ofFEMs in a geographic region, may have a limited set of frequencies fortransmission. The RAN may consider the capability threshold and currentload for the FEM, or the plurality of FEMs in the geographic region,before handing off communication to the FEM, or one of the FEMs. Amongothers, the RAN may consider signal strength, the amount of traffic, theamount of frequencies available, possible interference, the distributionthat will provide the highest data rate possible, and the distributionthat will maximize throughput. As discussed above, these determinationsmay be made before the call is setup, or at any time during the call.

In assigning a caller pair to a FEM, in order to maximize the overallsystem throughput, may involve considering the number of caller pairsserved by the FEM as well as their current throughputs, not just aSignal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR). For example, if too manymobiles are served by a first FEM, new calls may be assigned to otherFEMs although calls may have a better SNR from the first FEM. Once amobile is assigned to an FEM, the assignment may be kept throughout thecall, or mobiles may be re-assigned to different FEMs based on changesin the signal quality (SNR) due to mobility or due to the arrival ordeparture of other mobiles in the system.

In assigning mobiles to different FEMs, different optimization criteriamay be used. One method may include maximizing the total, or cumulative,throughput of all the mobiles in the system. Another method may includemaximizing the minimum throughput a user obtains in the system.

Whether maximizing the system throughput or the maximizing the minimumthroughput, the throughput may be calculated over all possibleassignments of caller pairs to FEMs, and the best assignment is chosen.In addition, for a sequential assignment, at every step, a FEM is eitherturned ON to serve a caller pair, or a caller pair is assigned to a FEMthat is already ON, whichever maximizes the desired parameter.

In performing a one-shot assignment for a small number of caller pairs,the FEMs may be arranged in order of decreasing common SNR they provideto the caller pair under consideration, and the top two FEMs may beconsidered for allocation. Additionally, when a plurality of FEMs arelocated in a region, use of each of the FEMs may be alternated. Amongothers, a time division may be employed between FEMs, or a repetitivealternating schedule, such as a round robin type schedule, may beemployed among the plurality of FEMs.

With reference now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a method 700 for creating alocal mobile network. The local mobile network can be created by a FEMfor emergency applications (e.g., broadcast local emergencyinformation). In accordance with some aspects, a local mobile networkcan be created for team building and/or group events that are closed toothers that are not to be included in the group. The application may beused for groups in remote locations, such as locations not covered byanother RAN. A local mobile network can also be created for partieswhere media is shared as well as for other purposes.

At 702, a FEM transmits pilot and common overhead channels to advertisea mobile network. For emergency applications, the pilots and commonoverhead channels can be transmitted on all frequencies. Fornon-emergency applications, the pilots and common overhead channels canbe transmitted on designated f_(FEM). Then, users may select an optionto join the advertised mobile network. This selection sends aregistration request to the FEM. For example, a use may push a button toreceive transmissions from the mobile network established by the FEM. At704, the FEM accepts registration requests and collects a list of users.Communication between mobiles in a same geographic area is enabled, at706. In accordance with some aspects, emergency messages can bebroadcast to mobiles in the same geographic area.

FIG. 8 illustrates another method 800 for adaptive coverage enhancement.A FEM can be enabled with wireless backhaul capacity (e.g., WiFi,Bluetooth, and so forth). When FEM is in a poor cellular coverage, femtofunctionality is enabled to provide coverage for LMs. As with the aboveapplications, the LM communicates as though with an RAN. Thus, the FEMextends or improves coverage for any LMs in the same geographic regionby providing access to alternative wireless backhaul for devices thatuse cellular communication, but that cannot access the alternativewireless backhaul on their own.

At 802, a FEM detects that cellular coverage is poor (e.g., below athreshold value). This detection can be based on various parameters(e.g., signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and so forth). If thecellular coverage is poor, at 804, the FEM connects to an alternativewireless backhaul (e.g., hotspot, campus WiFi network, home WiFinetwork, and so on). At 806, the femto functionality is enabled. Suchenablement can include starting to transmit pilot, overhead, etc. onmultiple frequencies. LMs in the vicinity of the FEM can acquire thefemtocell and communicate with FEM as their BTS.

In accordance with some aspects, enhanced position locationdetermination can be enabled by FEMs. FL pilot and common overheadchannel measurements from FEMs can be utilized to improve positionlocation estimates of mobiles. According to this aspect, a FEM withreliable location information (e.g., strong GPS signal) transmits apilot and common overhead channels on designated frequencies. Mobiles inthe vicinity of FEMs can detect the FEM pilot or common overhead channelsignal. Given the GPS location information of the transmitting FEM,mobiles in the poor GPS coverage area can improve their positionlocation estimates using the FEM pilot or common overhead channel aspart of a triangulation algorithm. The FEM can be used in combinationwith other base stations to triangulate the location of other mobiles.If the FEM is closer to the mobile that is attempting to determine itslocation, the FEM signal received by the mobile will be more reliablebecause of its proximity. The accuracy of the FEM signal will be morereliable not only in signal strength, but also in timing. By moreaccurately estimating the time of arrival of the FEM pilot signal, thelocation determination of the mobile may be improved. During this use,the FEM may be moving whereas the other base stations are not. This canimprove the position location estimates of the other mobiles.

For example, the FEM may obtain or determine its position. The FEM maythen communicate its position to a position/location determinationentity. The FEM may also transmit a pilot or common overhead signal. Amobile device receiving the transmitted pilot or overhead signal fromthe FEM then uses the pilot or overhead information in determining itsown location. The determination may be made by the mobile device itselfor by transmitting the received information to the position/locationdetermination entity that calculates the mobile device's position andsends the mobile device's position to the mobile device.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary variation where a mobile device 1403receives position information from a number of sources. As noted above,the mobile device may use the received position information anddetermine its own location itself, or the mobile device may send thereceived information to a location determination entity 1402 thatdetermines the location of the mobile device 1403 and sends the locationto the mobile device. Communication between the location determinationentity 1402 and the mobile device may be made via a base station 1405.FIG. 14 illustrates that mobile device receives a signal useful forposition determination, such as a timing signal, and/or additionalinformation, such as a location of the signal transmitting device, frombase stations 1404 and 1405 and from a femto enabled device 1401.Although only one FEM is illustrated, either of the base stations 1404and 1405 may also be replaced by a FEM. Accordingly, mobile device 1403is able to determine or obtain its own position based, at least in part,on the position of FEM 1401.

In accordance with some aspects, local broadcast of broadcast mediathrough FEMS is provided. FEMs enabled with broadcast mediafunctionality can transmit media content to other mobile devices thatare within a similar geographic area. For example, a FEM device iscapable of receiving broadcast media, such as the MediaFLO™ service fromQUALCOMM, Inc. of San Diego, Calif. The FEM establishes a communicationchannel with other mobile devices in the vicinity that are not broadcastmedia capable but are interested in receiving the content. In accordancewith some aspects, an application can be utilized for content selectionfrom FEM to legacy mobile. The FEM enabled with broadcast mediacapability can transmit the requested media to the mobiles in thevicinity.

In accordance with the various aspects, if a subset or fraction ofmobile terminals in a macro network are equipped with femtocellfunctionality (e.g., femtocell enable mobiles), new applications can beenabled for all mobiles (including legacy mobile terminals). Suchapplications include, but are not limited to, femto-enabled peer-to-peercommunication, local mobile network (e.g., for public safety or groupactivity), open access femtocells without a backhaul requirement,adaptive coverage enhancement, and/or enhanced position locationdetermination.

With reference to FIG. 9, illustrated is a wireless communication system900 that enables femtocell functionality. It is to be appreciated thatsystem 900 is represented as including functional blocks, which can befunctional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 900 includes alogical grouping 902 of electrical components that can act inconjunction. For instance, logical grouping 902 can include a module forreceiving an origination message from a first device for communicationwith a second device 904; a module for determining if the first deviceand the second device are geographically proximate 906; a module fordetermining if a femto enabled device is geographically proximate to thefirst and second device 908; and a module for performing a handoff forthe first device to the femto enabled device, if the first device,second device, and femto enabled device are geographically proximate910.

Additionally, system 900 can include a memory 912 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 904, 906, 908 and 910. While shown as being external tomemory 912, it is to be understood that one or more of electricalcomponents 904, 906, 908 and 910 can exist within memory 912.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary wireless communications apparatus 1000.It is to be appreciated that system 1000 is represented as includingfunctional blocks, which can be functional blocks that representfunctions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof(e.g., firmware). System 1000 includes a logical grouping 1002 ofelectrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logicalgrouping 1002 can include a module for transmitting wireless femtocellcommunication 1004; a module receiving communication from an RANregarding an origination from a first device for communication with asecond device 1006; and a module for setting up communication betweenthe first and second device based on the communication from the RAN1008. The wireless communication device may further include a module forreceiving communication from the first device 1010 and means fortransmitting the communication to the second device 1012.

Additionally, system 1000 can include a memory 1014 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1012. While shown as beingexternal to memory 1014, it is to be understood that one or more ofelectrical components 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1012 can exist withinmemory 1014.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary wireless communications apparatus 1100.It is to be appreciated that system 1100 is represented as includingfunctional blocks, which can be functional blocks that representfunctions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof(e.g., firmware). System 1100 includes a logical grouping 1102 ofelectrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logicalgrouping 1102 can include a module for transmitting a pilot and commonoverhead channels from a first mobile device having a mobile stationmodem (MSM) and a cell site modem (CSM) 1104, and a module forestablishing a communication link including at least one of transmittingcommunication on a forward link to a second mobile device and receivingcommunication on a reverse link from the second mobile device 1108.

Additionally, system 1100 can include a memory 1110 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 1104, 1108. While shown as being external to memory 1110, itis to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1104 and1108 can exist within memory 1110.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary wireless communications apparatus 1200.It is to be appreciated that system 1200 is represented as includingfunctional blocks, which can be functional blocks that representfunctions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof(e.g., firmware). System 1200 includes a logical grouping 1202 ofelectrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logicalgrouping 1202 can include a module for detecting poor cellular coverage1204, a module for connecting to an alternative wireless backhaul 1206,a module for transmitting a pilot and common overhead channels 1208, anda module for receiving a first communication from a cellular mobiledevice on a first reverse link for forwarding via the alternativewireless backhaul 1210, and a module for transmitting a secondcommunication to the cellular mobile device on a first forward link,wherein the second communication was received via the alternativewireless backhaul 1212.

Additionally, system 1200 can include a memory 1214 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212. While shown as beingexternal to memory 1214, it is to be understood that one or more ofelectrical components 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1212 can exist withinmemory 1214.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary wireless communications apparatus 1300.It is to be appreciated that system 1300 is represented as includingfunctional blocks, which can be functional blocks that representfunctions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof(e.g., firmware). System 1300 includes a logical grouping 1302 ofelectrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logicalgrouping 1302 can include a module for obtaining a location of a femtoenabled device 1304; a module for communicating the location informationto a location determination entity 1306; and a module for transmittingthe location information of the femto enabled device to a mobile device1308.

Additionally, system 1300 can include a memory 1310 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 1304, 1306, and 1308. While shown as being external to memory1310, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components1304, 1306, and 1308 can exist within memory 1310.

While the specification describes particular examples of the presentaspects, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of these aspectswithout departing from the described concept. For example, the teachingsherein refer to circuit-switched network elements but are equallyapplicable to packet-switched domain network elements.

Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, methods and algorithmsdescribed in connection with the examples disclosed herein may beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits,methods and algorithms have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented orperformed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one ormore modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actionsdescribed above.

The methods or algorithms described in connection with the examplesdisclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a softwaremodule executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. Asoftware module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storagemedium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can readinformation from, and write information to, the storage medium. In thealternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Theprocessor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, insome aspects, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm mayreside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions ona machine readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which may beincorporated into a computer program product.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computerstorage media and communication media including any medium thatfacilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Astorage media may be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readablemedia can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed bya computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readablemedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray discwhere disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproducedata optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention.Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to belimited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widestscope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for enabling communication through amobile device, comprising: receiving, at the mobile device,communication from a Radio Access Network (RAN) regarding an originationrequest received at the RAN from a first device, wherein the originationrequest requests the first device to establish communication with asecond device; activating, at the mobile device, a femto functionalitythat facilitates communication between the first device and the seconddevice via the mobile device; and initiating, by the mobile device, afemto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session between the firstdevice and the second device using the femto functionality to allowlocal communications between the first device and second device via themobile device and the femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is a femto enableddevice.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second device is a femtoenabled device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device andthe second device are non-femto enabled devices, the method furthercomprising: receiving communication from the first device; andtransmitting the communication to the second device.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving user code information and asearch request for at least one of the first device and the seconddevice from the RAN; and reporting an Ecp measurement to the RAN.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a Pseudorandom Noise(PN) offset and designated frequency information from the RAN.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: performing a self calibration onthe designated frequency.
 8. A wireless communications apparatus forenabling communication through a mobile device, comprising: means forreceiving, at the mobile device, communication from a Radio AccessNetwork (RAN) regarding an origination request received at the RAN froma first device, wherein the origination request requests the firstdevice to establish communication with a second device; means foractivating, at the mobile device, a femto functionality that facilitatescommunication between the first device and the second device via themobile device; and means for initiating, at the mobile device, afemto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session between the firstdevice and the second device using the femto functionality to allowlocal communications between the first device and second device via themobile device and the femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session.9. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 8, wherein the firstdevice and the second device are non-femto enabled devices, the methodfurther comprising: means for receiving communication from the firstdevice; and means for transmitting the communication to the seconddevice.
 10. A wireless communication apparatus for enablingcommunication through a mobile device comprising: memory; and aprocessor configured to: receive, at the mobile device, communicationfrom a Radio Access Network (RAN) regarding an origination requestreceived at the RAN from a first device, wherein the origination requestrequests the first device to establish communication with a seconddevice; activate, at the mobile device, a femto functionality thatfacilitates communication between the first device and the second devicevia the mobile device; and initiating, by the mobile device, afemto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session between the firstdevice and the second device using the femto functionality to allowlocal communications between the first device and second device via themobile device and the femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: receive wireless communications on a forward link fromthe RAN and on a reverse link from at least one mobile communicationapparatus; and transmit wireless information on a reverse link to theRAN and on a forward link to the at least one mobile communicationapparatus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: receive communication on a reverse link from thefirst device, and to transmit communication on the forward link to thesecond device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: aMobile Station Modem (MSM) chipset; and a Cell Site Modem (CSM) chipset.14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first device is a femtoenabled device.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second deviceis a femto enabled device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein thefirst device and the second device are non-femto enabled devices,wherein the processor is further configured to: receive communicationfrom the first device; and transmit the communication to the seconddevice.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: receive user code information and a search request for atleast one of the first device and the second device from the RAN; andreport an Ecp measurement to the RAN.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a PseudorandomNoise (PN) offset and designated frequency information from the RAN. 19.The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configuredto: perform a self calibration on the designated frequency.
 20. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executableby a processor for enabling communication through a mobile devicecomprising: code for receiving, at the mobile device, communication froma Radio Access Network (RAN) regarding an origination request receivedat the RAN from a first device, wherein the origination request requeststhe first device to establish communication with a second device; codefor activating, at the mobile device, a femto functionality thatfacilitates communication between the first device and the second devicevia the mobile device; and code for initiating, by the mobile device, afemto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session between the firstdevice and the second device using the femto functionality to allowlocal communications between the first device and second device via themobile device and the femto-enabled peer-to-peer communication session.21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, comprising: code forreceiving communication from the first device; and code for transmittingthe communication to the second device.